Two wrestlers, a softball star and a soccer standout from the Electric City formally announced plans to accept college scholarship offers this week.

Wednesday was the first day of the NCAA’s early-signing period, and Madi Moore of C.M. Russell High signed a scholarship offer with the Division I program at the University of North Dakota.

Wrestler Kai Stewart of CMR and soccer midfielder Lizzie Thompson of Great Falls High, meanwhile, signed with NCAA Division II programs at Minot (N.D.) State and University of Mary (N.D.), respectively.

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CMR's Kai Stewart, who won a state championship last February, has signed with the NCAA Division II wrestling program at Minot (N.D.) State.(Photo: TRIBUNE PHOTO/RION SANDERS)

Earlier in the week, CMR wrestler Carter Carroll signed a letter-of-intent with the University of Providence's NAIA program.

The southpaw Moore is an exceptional hitter and hard-throwing pitcher for the Rustlers. She was named to the Tribune’s Super-State softball team as a sophomore when she batted .493 with eight home runs.

Last spring she was just as effective at the plate, hitting .462 with eight more homers. She also was CMR’s top pitcher last season, posting a 7-6 record and 5.70 earned-run average. Moore had 145 strikeouts.

“She’s a very athletic kid and has worked hard to improve throughout her high school career,” said CMR softball coach Lindsey Graham. “She is a triple threat at the plate and has a great arm in the outfield, so I’m excited to see what she can do at that level. I think she will be a great asset to that program.”

Stewart, who will likely wrestle at 145 pounds for the Rustlers this winter, is a three-time qualifier for the State AA tournament and last February won a state championship at 138. The year before he finished second in the state.

“Kai trains year-round, and it’s a good reward to see a kid be successful through his hard work,” said CMR coach Aaron Jensen. “He’s definitely earned it. Kai has an unbelievable work ethic. He’s always trying to find ways to get better outside of our three-month high school season. If you want to be a successful college wrestler, you’d better be doing that.”

Carroll, who is expected to wrestle at 138 for the Rustlers this season, has placed fifth and third at the State AA meet. He also carries a 4.0 grade-point average.

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Great Falls High's Lizzie Thompson, right, is an excellent defender and midfielder who has signed with the NCAA Division II soccer program at the University of Mary (N.D.).(Photo: TRIBUNE PHOTO/RION SANDERS)

“Carter’s another good kid,” said Jensen. “An excellent student and good all-around kid. Everything he’s gotten, he’s flat worked for. I think his best wrestling is ahead of him.

“Because of the way he lives his life, I believe he’s going to be successful at whatever he does.”

Great Falls High’s Thompson is also a straight-A student. She was a four-year letterwinner, three-year starter and two-year captain for the Bison girls' soccer team. The defender and midfielder scored a goal for Great Falls High this fall.

“Lizzie has been one of the funnest players I’ve ever coached,” said Bison head coach Kevin Petritz. “She’s extremely coachable and will do whatever she can for her teammates.

“The University of Mary is getting a very special player. Lizzie is going to be one of the hardest and most dedicated workers going in. She is going to have a great career and I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes.”